Lakers Injury News: Kobe Bryant Plays Despite Back Spasms

The Los Angeles Lakers can ill-afford any more injuries. Kobe Bryant understands this. He played against the Washington Wizards Friday night despite back spasms that first arose after the Lakers' loss to the New York Knicks Thursday.

Regardless of the pain, Bryant continues to find a way to score. He put up a game-high 31 against the Knicks Thursday, and last night he dropped 30 on the Wizards. Bryant's offensive prowess, though, has not seemed to be of any help to the Lakers this season. Last night's win was just their second this season when Bryant scores 30 or more points.

Bryant has five NBA Championships under his belt he knows how to win. He knows his body. He will play through pain to help the team. However, the Lakers as a whole need to improve. They can lean on Bryant, but he can't do it all no matter how much he wants to.

Bryant's 29.3 points per game leads the league. However, he has almost been forced into scoring more points because of the state of the team. When the Lakers struggle, Bryant often takes the entire weight of those struggles, heaves it on his back, and tries to outshoot them. Most times it doesn't work. And it seems like it's not working this season. Follow @hoopsinjurynews